Austin Animal Center over-capacity; waiving adoption fees

An influx of dogs, puppies, cats and kittens to the already over-burdened Austin Animal Center this week has prompted officials to waive adoption fees for all animals through Oct. 12.

On Oct 7 alone, more than 50 animals entered the shelter system. Due to the high number of intakes the Center is confronting a capacity crisis with a deficit of approximately 85 kennels for large- and medium-size dogs.

October has been a slow month for both pet adoptions and pets being returned to their owners which is compounding the over-capacity issue.

Additionally, the Animal Services Veterinary staff is providing medical treatment to more than two dozen dogs and cats that have come in with broken limbs. Ideally, these pets will recover better in a foster home and most will be ready for foster care this week.

“Though staff and volunteers have been able to provide medical services, socialization and playtime for the nearly 762 animals in our care, we’re not in a sustainable position,” Chief Animal Services Officer Abigail Smith said. “We need help ensuring no animal is at risk of missing their chance for a good home.”

As a reminder, pet owners who have lost a pet recently should immediately look at the Austin Animal Center for their lost pet. The Austin Animal Center will also be waiving reclaim fees for all altered pets returned to their owners through Oct. 12.

The Center tweets every hour with information about lost pets that have just come into the shelter. Follow @austinanimals for those updates.

The Austin Animal Center, 7201 Levander Loop, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The adoption special also will apply to all pets at the overflow kennels at Town Lake Animal Center, 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St. This facility is also open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.